Agriculture & Environment Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Zoologist Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median zoologist salary in Las Cruces, NM is $60,042 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$60,042
vs State Avg
$-3,412
vs National
$-8,188
Cost of Living
88%

Zoologist Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median zoologist salary of $60,042, which is $3,412 below the New Mexico state average of $63,454. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Las Cruces pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Las Cruces's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $60,042 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,230 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Las Cruces spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $98,560 at the 90th percentile — a $61,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,400. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level zoologist earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
$-5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
$-12,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $47,520
Median (50th) $60,042
75th Percentile $79,200
90th Percentile $98,560

Zoologist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$75,053
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$64,819
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$62,772
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$55,949
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Zoologist in Las Cruces

Education

Most zoologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Las Cruces and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Wildlife BiologyField ResearchData AnalysisGISScientific WritingConservation

Job Outlook

Nationally, zoologist employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Zoologist Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open zoologist positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Zoologist make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $60,042 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $98,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,042, a zoologist in Las Cruces earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median zoologist salary of $60,042 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $63,454. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
Las Cruces has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $60,042 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Las Cruces? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Las Cruces require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Wildlife Biology, Field Research, Data Analysis, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.